Quick tips: 1)
Classico Limewash paint is removable within the first 5 days after initial application. If the paint has fully dried and you want to fully remove it or change the look, use a pressure washer to remove the paint.
Unlike harder forms of render, lime render cannot be power washed down when cleaning it as this can damage the surface. Instead, you must soft wash the lime render or clean it using a hose pipe.
There are also 3 limitations and disadvantages of the lime-wash: The very rigid demands to weather, temperature and moisture-conditions during the application, the strict demands to experienced craftsmanship and the demands to a perfect, un-defect, dry and "cement-less" ground.
To clean limewashed walls, we recommend lightly wiping with a clean, damp cloth. Ensure that you do not scrub, use excessive water or use any soaps on the limewash, as this will damage the surface. Do not clean your limewashed wall too soon after painting.
Easily removable up to five days after painting. Ideal for porous surfaces like stone, brick, and plaster. Can apply to drywall as long as you apply a mineral-based primer first. If applied correctly, it will typically not peel, flake off, or chip, but may require touch-ups every 5 to 7 years.
Lime Wash Myth #12: Limewash looks different when it is wet. Romabio Answer: True. If you apply an authentic slaked-lime paint like Classico Limewash on brick and stone and it rains, the lime wash will appear translucent or slightly different.
Salt was often added to exterior limewash to make it more durable and dry slower, producing a better finish. Salt probably came from local salt works. Limewash could also be colored if the opaque white lime color was not desirable.
One of the best ways to refresh aged or weathered brick is limewashing—a cost-effective, breathable finish that enhances brick surfaces while providing long-term protection.
Smoother Finish: Unlike Limewash, the whitewash formula provides a smoother surface finish. Long-Lasting: Unlike paint, which requires frequent maintenance, Whitewash is low maintenance and lasts for years. Applicable for Painted Bricks: Unlike Limewash, the Whitewash formula can easily be applied on painted bricks.
Surface Requirements
Lightly sand surface before applying Limewash. Lightly dust off timber with a clean rag.
Pre-wet limestone surface using a low pressure wash (between 100 and 400 psi). Apply a heavy coating of limestone pre-wash using a soft, nylon bristle brush. Follow manufacturer's applications instructions. Allow to stand for one hour or as long as determined by testing.
You can use any type of mild soap detergent, such as dish or hand soap, and mix it with a little water. Wet the stone first, and then use a bristle brush and soap solution to wipe the stone clean. The last step is to make sure you rinse thoroughly.
Preferred PRO Tip: If your brick is quickly absorbing the limewash, add 50% cleaning vinegar to the water to help with limewash removal.
Yes, it is expensive, compared to a normal re-paint. Typically, the costs are about 20-30% higher. The Limewashing procedure can be 50% higher than normal painting depending on the size of the house. The materials are more expensive, and the process is unique.
Is limewash waterproof? While not naturally completely waterproof, a lime sealant can be applied over a limewash finish for additional water resistance and to make the lime walls easily wipable.
Wet the surface thoroughly before you start, to minimize the penetration of the product into the brickwork. If you use the pressure washer to do this, it will blow off any loose areas of limewash at the same time.
There are several reasons why limewash paint continues to be a popular choice in 2025: Natural and Eco-Friendly: Made from lime, pigments, and water, limewash is free of harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Why is my limewash finish powdery and rubbing off on my hands? Powdering usually occurs when limewash paint is applied too thickly, preventing it from curing properly. This causes the lime to 'bloom' on the surface, leaving white patches and making it powdery, so it comes off easily when touched.
Combine 1/2 gallon of paint with 3 cups of plaster of paris and 1 cup of water. Mix well. Pancake batter consistency is what you want for limewash similar to roman clay and plaster. Just slightly thicker than paint.
The average cost of limewashing brick is $2.50-$6.00 per square foot, but it may vary depending on the condition of your brick, working conditions, job site condition and access and location factors such as labor costs and delivery fees.
Some of the reasons for limewash cracking are; Mixed too rich – If mixing limewash yourself it should be mixed to the consistency of a full-fat milk. This is approximately 2:1 water to putty. As lime carbonates, it reduces in volume, as such it must be applied thinly to minimise this effect.
We generally do not recommend using a protective top coat sealer on limewash finished walls, as we aim to maintain the natural qualities of the paint. This approach is healthier for your home, better for the environment, and allows the paint to evolve naturally over time.
Apply with a stain brush or block: You can't apply limewash paint with a roller or spray. Instead, both van Os and Davis recommend using a four to six-inch block or stain brush to define the perfect texture. Consider coverage: Limewash has a more translucent finish, so the underlying surface may affect the final color.